Napartak was blowing at sea off the northernmost Philippine province of Batanes and was not expected to hit land there but forecasters warned fishing boats not to venture out to sea and commercial ships to watch out for big waves. Some flights were canceled in the region, too.

Big waves were already slamming the shore of Ilan port city in Taiwan. Forecasters said waves of 3 to 24 feet could batter the coast, inland lakes and beachfront areas, the AP reported.